5 Powerful Medicinal Plants You May Have in Hand

If you are not a fan of western medicine, nowadays you can find free medical advice online regarding various types of alternative medicine. There are hundreds of medicinal plants and herbs included in Nature’s pharmacy. These powerful plants have been used for healing since ancient times across numerous cultures. You probably have some medicinal plants such as aloe vera or peppermint in your garden or home. They are used in herbal medicine preparations and even in the production of mainstream pharmaceutical products. Some plants are cultivated and used for mass production while others are wild crafted and harvested by peoples skilled at plant identification. Here are the 5 powerful medicinal plants you may have on hand:

1. Aloe vera

If you don’t have this plant at home, you probably have seen it in your neighbor’s house or garden. Besides the fact that aloe vera is one of the medicinal plants that grow without requiring much attention, it also has incredible properties. The sap from aloe vera can speed up the healing of wounds, burns, eczema, cuts, reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. It also helps injured skin from getting infected. Taken internally, it can be used in the treatment of digestive problems, chronic constipation, and ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera is used in many cosmetic products promoting a healthy skin and hair. This miracle plant can also be used to cure or treat symptoms of strep throat; however, this affliction can be grave, so in most cases antibiotics for strep throat are recommended. The best solution is to combine aloe vera with antibiotics for strep throat, so your body gets both natural help and the verified medical solution.

2. Peppermint

The benefit of many medicinal plants and essential oils are acknowledged by health care professionals. Peppermint oil has been used for centuries to treat headaches, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatism and colic gingivitis. A cup of peppermint tea can settle your stomach after a big meal, because it stimulates the production of bile fluids and soothes the lining of the digestive tract. It is also used for its calming, sedative effects and lifting the mood. About 2 drops in carrier oil applied to the temples can cure tension headaches. A peppermint infusion can relieve chest, sinus and nasal congestion. Thus, it too can be one of the home remedies for strep throat, especially when combined with aloe and honey/

3. Chamomile

If you look for free medical advice online regarding natural anti-inflammatory remedies, you will find chamomile to be the most recommended treatment. Chamomile is one of the most popular medicinal plants used for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, vasodilatory and tonic effects. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is beneficial for painful swelling such as arthritis and rheumatism. Mild chamomile tea given in large doses throughout the day alleviates sore throats and pains caused by colds, allergies, flu and fever. I can also be used for intestinal and menstrual cramps or as a natural laxative. Externally, it eases itching caused by rashes or eczema, reduces skin inflammation, treats eye infections and heals mouth sores.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea is one o the most important medicinal plants in the word, because it has the capacity to stimulate the immune system, thus raising the body’s resistance to viral and bacterial infections. It also relieves allergies and its roots are highly beneficial when used to treat burns, insect bites, sores and wounds. According to a 2007 study conducted by the the University of Connecticut, echinacea reduces the chances of catching a cold by more than half and shortens the duration of a cold by approximately 1.4 days. However, it should not be used for more than 10-15 days or administered to children between 1ans 12 years.

5. Cranberries

Cranberries are a source of antioxidants that can improve cardiovascular health and treat diabetes, wounds, diarrhea, stomach aliments, liver problems and urinary disorders. Cranberry juice is the best known home remedy used in the area of urinary tract health because it cleans the urinary system and keeps bacteria from climbing up the urinary tract. In conjunction with antibiotics, it is very effective in treating chronic kidney inflammation. Cranberry powder and capsules are effective in treating bladder infections.